A group of babies, born from their parents' love for Lincoln City, took up position alongside the Emirates FA Cup trophy at Sincil Bank this week. The 'Junior Imps' were born nine months on from the club's historic Emirates FA Cup run, where they became the first non-league team to reach the competition's Quarter Finals in 103 years.
Historic data shows that great sporting achievements can result in a baby boom within the community of the successful team. Ahead of the team's return to the Emirates FA Cup first round - against AFC Wimbledon - on Saturday, The FA invited some of the club's most dedicated fans and their newborns, to tell the story of how the cup run impacted on them, the club and the community.
In celebration of the team's valiant efforts last season, families revealed the newest members of their squads, including one named 'Lincoln'.
The new recruits were joined at Sincil Bank by Lincoln City Chairman Bob Dorrian and manager Danny Cowley, all of whom hailed the legacy of last year's extraordinary cup adventure.
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Last season, the then National League side made history with a run that saw them defeat Brighton & Hove Albion, knockout Premier League side Burnley in the fifth round, before finally losing to Arsenal in the Quarter Finals. The club's heroic cup run saw them receive approximately £1.13 million in revenue from The FA's prize money, broadcast and commercial fees. The money is set to have a long-legacy, with plans to build a new training ground underway.
Bob Dorrian, Chairman of Lincoln City, said: "Seeing the Junior Imps alongside the trophy has truly reinforced, in my mind, the transformational effect that last season's Emirates FA Cup run has had on both this club and city. We look forward to seeing these 'Lincoln babies' grow up supporting the club and the competition.
From a financial perspective the cup's legacy lives on, season ticket sales are the highest they've been in over 20 years and attendance at games is up by 300%."
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Chris Burke, Lincoln City Mayor, said: "The 'Lincoln babies' are just one example of the lasting impact the club's Emirates FA Cup Run has had on the community. Reaching the Quarter Final stage of the competition made news up and down the country and really put Lincoln on the map. The excitement felt in the city has definitely carried over to this season, and everyone is fully behind the club as they embark on this year's Emirates FA Cup adventure."
Andy Ambler, The FA's Director of professional game relations, said: "The Emirates FA Cup inspires fans, players and clubs to believe that anything is possible - as demonstrated by Lincoln City's incredible feat in reaching the Quarter Finals of last year's competition. The cup run has had a huge impact on the club, allowing them to diligently invest in their future whilst also bringing significant joy and happiness to the local community. The legacy will live on for years to come."
80 clubs will take part in the Emirates FA Cup first round this weekend, with winners receiving £18,000 from The FA's prize fund.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: FA Cup